The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club history in a crucial European match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight place.

At 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him minutes in pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to represent either country at senior international level.

Under international regulations, players may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the team chase future success.

Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.